Modeling Crop Production Systems
Principles and Applications
Phool Singh
ISBN 978-1-57808-418-0/ January 2008/ 510 pages, pb/ US $ 59.50     Buy Now


The use of simulation models is a necessity and also an aid in the decision-making process in sustainable agricultural systems. Organizing the experimental knowledge of crop production systems without the book keeping and deductive methods of mathematics is very difficult. This book aims to guide readers in the process by which the properties of the systems can be grasped in the framework of mathematical structure with minimal mathematical prerequisites. The objective of this book is to help the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students in the disciplines of agronomy, plant breeding, agricultural meteorology, crop physiology, agricultural economics, entomology, plant pathology, soil science and ecology (environmental science). This book may also be useful for administrators in various agricultural universities in order to direct research, extension and teaching activities. Planners at national and state levels may also benefit from this book.


Contents:
. Philosophy, Role and Terminology of System Science
History of System Science; General Topology and Terminology of Systems; Three Problems

. Development of Model Structure
Variables and their Classification; Relationship between Variables; Structural (Black Box) Model;
Refinement in Structural Models

. Specification of Component Behavior
Algebraic Form; Use of Matrix Algebra in Principal Component Analysis; Use of Matrix Algebra in
Linear Programming for Optimization of the System; Use of Matrix Algebra for Distance Measurements;
Integral-Differential Form; Parameter Estimation; Non-statistical Procedure for Estimating the Parameters (Physical Approach)

. Computer Implementation
Model Software Requirement; Generalized Model; Software Specification; Data Systems

. Model Testing and Validation
Sensitivity Analysis; Stability Analysis; Validation

. Biological Application of Models
Prey-Predator System; Plant Competition Studies; Environmental Management

Appendix
A. Exercises on Modeling Crop Production Systems
B. Discussion and Solutions of Exercises